The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa, Lagos, has intercepted three trucks of foreign parboiled rice worth N212million smuggled into the country through the nation’s inland waterways.
Displaying the seized contraband to Journalists, the Customs Area Controller of the Command Comptroller Patrick Ntadi said the Command also intercepted other contraband such as cannabis sativa, sugar, among others.
According to Compt. Ntadi, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized contraband is valued at N352million.
The Customs chief who also handed over the seized illicit drugs to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), added that these contrabands were intercepted around the Badagry Waterways and environs.
Giving details of the seizures, he explained that the total number of the smuggled rice was 2,017 bags with a DPV of N212m and 481 loaves of cannabis sativa worth N50m.
“Others include seven sacks of 50kg sugar valued at N672,000, 72 rolls of foreign plain materials worth N71million, nine boats worth N17.5million, among others. These seizures have a duty paid value of N352m,” he said.
According to Compt. Ntadi, the seizures represent a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities.
Ntadi maintained that the achievement reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the borders and ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within the economy.
He attributed the success of the operations to the motivation given to the Command by the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
He also attributed the success to enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with other security agencies.
“We also owe our success to the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways. We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics,” Ntadi stated.
The WMC Customs boss urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in the waterways.
“Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order,” he stated.
He pledged that the Command would not relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities.
“We are committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
Ntadi, however, handed over the seized cannabis to an acting Commander of the Marine Command of the NDLEA, Emmanuel Morrison.
Speaking after receiving the cannabis, Morrison, thanked the service for its continued collaboration.
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